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HIPA Updates & Changes

We have 3 races coming up soon:

Oct 31, 2026Big Island Jr Va’a HalloweenKailua Pier
Nov 07, 2026E Hoe I Ke Ola ChallengeHilo Bayfront Park
Dec 05, 2026Abbott Galagher SeamanKeauhou Canoe Club

Registration is OPEN for first race. The Halloween Race will be held on Saturday October 31st at Kailua Kona Pier, Kona hosted by Big Island Jr. Va’a. There will be a pāʻina and meal after the race and a costume contest.

NO PARKING ON PIER. Paddlers will have access to drive onto pier to load and unload canoes only. See registration for more details.

E HOE I KE OLA CHALLENGE

Registration Opens October 24th

Hosted by Kaydee-Rae Ah Yo | Hilo One

The E Hoe I Ke Ola Challenge will be held on Saturday, November 7th, at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park. This event was created to promote health and wellness through paddling. “E Hoe I Ke Ola” means Paddle toward well-being. This name represents how paddling can strengthen the body, steady the mind, and connect us to our community and culture. Each stroke carries us forward toward health, healing, and overall well-being. Senior Project — Paddling & Mental Health. As part of my senior project, I am exploring the mental health and well-being benefits of paddling and how paddling may support our mental, emotional, and overall wellness.

If you are participating in the race, I would greatly appreciate your help by taking a short Google Form about your experiences with paddling and well-being. Your responses will help me better understand how paddling impacts the mental health of our paddling community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the form here:
https://forms.gle/AuQXpWCBTCxCuf4o8

This event features one race course that starts and ends at Hilo Bayfront:
Short Course – 6 Miles
Keiki Course – 2 Miles

Race Day Schedule:
Check-In: 7:30 – 8:30 AM at Kamehameha Canoe Club – Hilo Hālau. Race Meeting: 8:30 AM. Race Start: After Race Meeting

Food to Follow

HIPA Changes for 2027

So it looks like the insurance companies are catching up to us. There will be changes for 2027 you need to know.

  1. Racers are required to consider their skill and fitness level, the expected conditions and length of the course, and withdraw from the race if they don’t believe that they can safely complete the race.
  2. All canoes entered in a race must be equipped with a safety leash for each paddler.
  3. All racers must wear a hi-visibility (orange, green or yellow) shirt.
  4. All racers must wear a personal flotation device. Inflatable belt PFD are acceptable.